2003 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
566 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Volkswagen eliminates the GLX trim level for wagons -- this means that those who prefer the VR6 engine to the 1.8T engine will have to stick with the sedan. As a consolation, GLS wagons equipped with the 1.8T are eligible for a premium package, which bundles traditional GLX content like power seats, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, wood interior trim and a trip computer. Additionally, VW has made the 1.8T available on both the GL sedan and wagon. GLs now have power windows and mirrors, cruise control and a CD player, while the GLS gets a standard sunroof and alloy wheels. All Jettas are available with stability control (ESP), heated seats and the Monsoon sound system. Other changes include a ULEV rating for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, redesigned cupholders and backlit buttons on the standard stereo head unit.

Pros:
  • Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI powerplant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard features, solid build quality.
Cons:
  • More expensive than most small sedans and wagons, tight rear-seat legroom.

User Reviews:

Showing 281 through 290 of 566.00
  • Piece of CRAP - Lemon Law SAVE ME!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I just pray the Better Business Bureau will help me out of this one. Car has had numerous problems since purchased 2 months ago. Bad sensor in the steering column, heated seats not working, dash incorrectly installed, Monsoon system malfunctioning, gears grinding, brakes whistling, Car revving itself. It is in the shop for the NINTH time (16th day). The service center is horrible and VW corporate needs to care about their product. Have already filed complaint w/ BBB. I just want this car out of my life forever. Buyer Beware.

  • My first new car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I love the Jetta for its simple, yet distinct styling. The interior is perfect, with its black monotone look. I love the chrome accents on the door handles and the gear selector. Red gauges with blue background is fantastic. The 1.8 litre engine is smooth and powerful, with minimal turbo lag, although I wish I would have chosen the 5sp manual. My only peeve, is that the back seat is a little cramped, but Im never back there. In all, I am a Volkswagen driver for life, or until I can afford an Audi.

  • Another Good One - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Gas mileage is excellent (47mpg/hwy) and the acceleration is great. Cruise control is reliable. Monsoon stereo is very good. Handling on the corners is very secure and reassuring. It is very quiet for a diesel. Passing acceleration is very good.

  • 03 Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have had my Jetta for one month and two days, it has been at the dealer three times for five seperate issues. If you are looking for a reliable car, do not buy a jetta, rather buy a jetta if you like the look and feel of luxury at a economic price. Mine is black with black interior, but its getting traded in this week already for a different car....I got a lemon...

  • mydub - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    owning this 03 jetta has been wonderful and my kids love the car as well.Plus it being a 5 speed,makes it more fun to drive.The only thing that i would change is the location of the cup holders.When your on the freeway and your driving this vehicle you could be doing 80 miles an hour and not even know it.

  • Not much to ask for - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    So far this has been a great, fun car to drive. Ive taken it on a couple of 800 mile round trips and it handles/drives wonderfully on the interstates. And its even more fun on the backroad curves. Comparable to or even better than my Jag XK8. The 6spd trans is terrific.

  • Feel Cheated - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The mantra at the time of purchase was reliability. Now the mantra is how expensive maintainance will be to keep it from breaking down (again). My car has only 36,000 km on it, it has cost me a fortune in preventative maintainance and still broke down leaving me stranded about 600 miles from home (ERG valve). Dealerships have a monopoly and once you purchase they are free to charge you what ever they want if you want to keep your warranty. I do not feel confident driving distances after authorized service technicians have warned me of potential breakdowns. I will never buy VW again.

  • A piece of junk - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Jetta has lot of mechanical problems. We bought ours(brand new) in march 2002.Since then it has been in the dealers workshop 7 times for repairs. The car did really well for the first 2000-2500 miles. After these initial miles it has given us all sort of problems. It started with door rattling, followed by the left view mirror cracking, followed by complete failure of the audio system 2 times in a row(within 10 days) . Yesterday the drivers side window fell into the door and wont go up. Guys, think twice before buying this car. Buy it if you want to spend your week day off at the dealers place. Atleast this is what has been happening to us.

  • Most practical vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Driving from Detroit, MI to Dalton, GA on one tank of Diesel is quite impressive. This represents a distance of about 635 miles, and I got 49 mpg! It easily keeps up with every other car on the road, is comfortable and fun to drive, and it has plenty of trunk space. Just imagine how much money someone can save by using a VW Jetta Turbo Diesel 5M for going to work?

  • Good Buy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This car is very comfotable, reliable, and fun to drive. It has good interior materials. Its Moonson stereo system is great considering that it is factory installed. I have had a few of problems with the electrical system, but no major problems. I am very satisfied with the purchase and recommend this car to all European cars lovers.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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